30 December 2013

Thank you to our readers, our fans, our followers, our wonderful guest posters (The Magic Demon,James Alan,
Ian Crawford, Ring 99 and Killarney Sheffield), those who send news our way, and
last but not least, thank you to all of this year's sponsors (be sure to support them!):

29 December 2013

What are ya doing New Years Eve? If you get channel TV5 in your area watch Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. It will be a four hour extravaganza of the best variety acts from around the world. There's even a countdown. I know because we did it at the beginning of this month!!

This was my third time on the show and definitely my most favorite. Check it out.
On the show I performed my classic act, An Urban Phantasy.

Being in the hospital over the holidays must be pretty hard, especially
for kids and a visit from a magician must make it a little brighter.
Remember back in November when iTricks reported that Murray Sawchuck had
visited the UMC Trauma Center and promised to return on Christmas? He made good on his promise and was back to perform for young patients yesterday.

27 December 2013

The Amazing Kreskin will be joining The Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family
this morning at 10 AM Eastern, 9 AM Central. If you miss it this
morning, it will be re-aired Monday at noon Eastern. In more television
news, Travel Channel is rebroadcasting the first two episodes of White Magic on

This video took me 2 years to complete. It means a great deal to me. I hope it can add a little something to your day.

In
an attempt to set a world record I started carrying random people all
over the globe. I have no agenda for this video. My only goal is to
spread and share inspirations. However random or strange they may seem.

22 December 2013

The following is a guest post from an author Killarney Sheffield. --
Hello, my name is Killarney Sheffield. I am an award winning multi-published historical romance author from right here in Canada. You’re probably wondering why a romance author is writing on a magic blog, well it all started with a plot to a book I was working on called Love’s Magic. The story is about a female magician named Celeste in the early 1800’s and her sidekick a black Holland Lop rabbit Dexter. I know, magic rabbits are supposed to be white thanks to Mary Toft, but I had to make it a little unusual, because well, that is the publishing industry. As I got into the story I realized that if I was going to write about a magician I needed to know something about the craft of magic itself. Yes, I could have just made it all up and flubbed my way through the magic scenes but someone somewhere would have caught it, and I try to be true to the things I write about even though it is fiction. I could have bought a book on magic tricks but since I write in the historical period I needed to know early tricks and the history of magic. I was lost. As you know magician’s don’t like to share their secrets, can you blame them? I was on twitter one day and reached out to an American magician/escape artist and explained about the book. He was happy to help me write the magic scenes as long as I never revealed how they were done. I got to know him well after emailing and Skypeing back and forth for a few months and was amazed at just how seriously he took his craft, from the breathing exercises and practises, to his whole routine before each show he does. It really opened my eyes to the complexity of what magician’s do. Eventually I finished writing the book and emailed it to him to read it and double check my magic scenes. Once he gave me the thumbs up off it went into The Great Romance Contest of 2013. From there it came in runner up and was contracted by Assent Publishing’s Breathless Books imprint. The book is to be released this February and will be my 15th title. I couldn’t have done it without my Twitter magician. Not only do I have a new appreciation for the magician’s craft and skill, but now I am a diehard fan. There is a whole lot more to magic than meets the eye!

20 December 2013

This Friday night is the
Trash Palace's Christmas party, and they've asked me to be their "Trashy
Claus": A drunken, grumpy Saint Nick.

I'll be just a small
part of the evening's fesivities, singing an unsavoury version of "I Saw
Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", and reading a few pages from "Santa's
Diary" (more unsavouriness, from my 1992 essay).

18 December 2013

Toronto, Ontario. - December 17th, 2013 - In a surprise announcement, world-renowned playing card expert Tom Dawson stated that he has purchased "the Discourse at playingcardforum.com," the world's largest playing card Internet forum from previous owner and playing card designer, Alexander Yusupov.

The inspiration for selling The Discourse recalled twenty-two year old Alexander Yusupov, original founder of the forum "Tom and Judy Dawson are THE experts," Yusupov said. "It was time to pass the forum along to people that could take my work into unprecedented territory."

As the author, with Judy, his wife, of the definitive work "The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards," as well the current president of the 52 Plus Joker Club, the preeminent North American card collecting organization, Mr. Dawson has lots to offer the large and growing roster of playing card collectors online.

Don Boyer, administrator of the Discourse and 52 Plus Joker member, agrees. "I knew that Alex Yusupov had for some time been considering a sale of the forum, but the right opportunity hadn't presented itself. When Tom Dawson and Lee Asher approached me recently to discuss future plans for 52 Plus Joker, it seems like a natural fit to unite these two organizations in some way, creating a synergy between them that makes them greater together than they are individually. I suggested the idea to both parties and this is the happy result."

The idea of hunting for vintage pasteboards has always intrigued Mr. Dawson since he began his obsession almost forty years ago. The kind of passion that drove him back then to seek out the beauty and history those decks of cards possess still leads him today to help other fellow collectors, no matter their age or experience. After updating the 52 Plus Joker's Constitution and Mission Statement to expand the membership to include more modern custom playing card collectors and designers, Mr. Dawson saw the purchase of a sizable forum with over ten thousand members worldwide as a rare opportunity, one he couldn't pass up.

"When the United States Playing Card Company needs their collection evaluated, they call Tom and Judy Dawson. Imagine the kind of rich history and fascinating information they are going to share with anyone interested," said 52 Plus Joker's Director of Publicity, Lee Asher.

Asher adds, "It looks like 2014 is going to be pretty spectacular for card enthusiasts. I can't remember a time when everyone was so excited about playing card culture!"

According to Discourse statistics, the forum's membership is already growing exponentially with a high rate of regular visitors and posters. With luck, and if Tom Dawson 'plays his cards right,' he will end up achieving his ultimate goal of inspiring a new generation of playing card aficionados.

Interested in collecting playing cards? You aren't alone! Membership in the Discourse is free of charge to the public. Visit Tom Dawson's Discourse now, and get started today.

CFI works to combat the harm of superstition, pseudoscience and
religion by advancing the values of reason, science and secularism
through education, activism and community. So join us for a special
secular soiree and help us celebrate reason this season.

14 December 2013

John Giordmaine Dot Com, the online tribute to Canada's most beloved children's magician Johnny Giordmaine (1898-1974) wishes everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday season with its latest update: A selection of one of a kind vintage photos taken over the years at Ring 17 (reposted with kind permission of Ring 17); a special personal remembrance by Robert H. Rastorp; and a celebration of Johnny winning the prestigious IBM Star of Magic Award fifty years ago. These latest features bring to 15 the number of new pages added during this past year.

If you remember Johnny at all or would like to be inspired by one of Canada's most memorable magical entertainers, please visit. And if you have any memories or photos to share, please get in touch. Contact information is on the site which is:

13 December 2013

Marc Linett splits the deck in two and shows the ace is still at the top
of one half. He takes it from there and places it face down halfway
into the other half, which is fanned out. He asks his sole spectator to
push the card in. The spectator complies.

“Is it all the way in?” Linett asks in a muffled voice.

The spectator looks up to see the ace of clubs in Linett’s mouth, not
only explaining the muffled voice, but bewildering the spectator.

12 December 2013

With help from Calgary 2012, we were able to launch WowFest Magic Arts Festival
on February 23rd, 2013. It was a huge success, with big crowds of happy
and amazed people all day long. We’re working on bringing it back next
year, bigger, better, and more magical.

10 December 2013

Ryan and Gwyn of WowFest will be roaming ‘in da house’, dazzling patrons with magic and illusions. You won’t believe your eyes.

WowFest Magic Arts Festival presents the magical and mysterious art of sleight-of-hand and illusion to Calgary audiences. The second annual event spans two full weeks, and will feature a variety of magic shows. Some just right for children and family audiences, but also a good number of shows intended to baffle adult audiences. WowFest is a unique opportunity for Calgary to experience the wonders of the magical arts in a theatrical venue.

The festival is set to take place from February 17th to March 1st, 2014. There are a multitude of ways to get involved with making the magic happen, from volunteering to simply coming out to enjoy the shows. The festival is currently seeking corporate support, with a variety of sponsorship opportunities available.

01 December 2013

Scott Hammell overcame his fear of heights so that he could jump from an airplane while handcuffed to his waist. As part of a challenge to inspire high school students to fundraise enough money to build a school in Ecuador, Scott added the potential of a blindfold to offer some incentive.

Dear Magic Friends,
In February 2014 Mr. Sankey will be touring Europe with his brand new lecture! And just before he takes off for the tour Jay has agreed to give his fellow Canadians the first viewing of this new lecture.

25 November 2013

Three years ago today, I published the very first post at this website. Thanks to you wonderful people who have supported this project! More than 1,303 posts have been published, more than 46,000 page loads have been served. Eight-one of you have given us your thumbs-up on Facebook, more than 500 of you are following along on Twitter (5940 tweets and counting!), and approximately 80 of you have subscribed to this site's feed. The bulk of you are Canadian, and I'm delighted to see visitors from United States, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Portugal, Germany, and the list goes on.

There are so many of you doing such a fabulous job of making magic a priority in this great country!

Many thanks to all of you, for reading, subscribing, re-tweeting, liking,
sharing, submitting news, corresponding, making me aware of typos, guest
posting, sponsoring and especially for your wonderful feedback and continued
support!

23 November 2013

We are sad to report the passing of one of our members, Harold Black, passed away Wednesday at the age of 89. He joined the club in 1949 (as reported in the Linking Ring by then secretary Bruce Posgate.) He
was a lifetime member, who as the club librarian and was the president
in 1974-75. While health concerns kept him from attending club meetings
in recent years, he was actively involved in the magic community in
Toronto and performed as a magician and a clown for decades.

22 November 2013

Le Grand Marcis, Maurice Choquette, was one of these people. He had a
little magic shop on de Bienville when we met him and he gave weekly
magic courses and had a great following. We were friends with him and he
was kind enough to translate many of the popular card tricks for us
when we first went into business. I have a copy of Wild Card ”Les
cartes “frimées” which he did for us “Traduction et adaptation
française faite par “Le Grand Marcis” 1977 and many others as well.

also:

It would be great if his students could write in and provide us with
information about him, anecdotes, when he started, when and where he
moved his shop to. I think it was Park Avenue. If you were a student of
his, let us know. Maybe you should have a reunion. Let’s hear from you.
let’s get a little history going here, and if you want to write it in
French, ça va!

After watching this documentary you’ll see what makes magic camp so special and why campers keep coming back year after year. While the grounds are amazing, the teaching is top quality and the nightly shows are stellar, magic camp is much more than the sum of its parts - this documentary helps explain why.

The video captures much more about the camp than can be communicated through text alone.

Don't have time to watch the full video? Watch the 3 minute teaser. It'll make you want to watch the full documentary!

18 November 2013

TORONTO, OCTOBER 1, 2013….Parents and kids are invited to join in the celebration of CHCH’s 60th Anniversary with the return of the iconic Tiny Talent Time. One of the longest running and most-loved family shows in Canadian history, Tiny Talent Time
takes us back to a refreshing era of tap-dancing tots and pint-sized
magicians sharing their developing talents, just for the fun of it.

An Ontario-wide casting call to children under 12 years old begins
today and runs until November 30th through online video submissions at www.chch.com/tinytalenttime.
Single and group acts of all kinds of talent are welcome, but
submissions are limited to one per discipline per child/group. Only the
producers will be able to see the video submission and none will be
posted for public viewing.

The other day a gentleman, unknown to us, came into the shop. He, too,
wanted to keep Tom Auburn’s name and memory alive. He’s a writer and he
is passionate about history and about Magic Tom and he is writing an
article (on real paper) which will appear in the Quebec Heritage News, which is an English language Quebec Magazine.

In fact, he does know
in part what’s about to happen in the Norman and Louise Haac Studio
Theatre of Theatre Aquarius. Wallace has designed this evening of
supernatural entertainment, along with director Luke Brown, but it’s
true that he has no idea what will transpire when 50 random people
interact with supposed spirits during what they reliably call “the first
attempt to use an actual séance as part of a theatrical entertainment.”

15 November 2013

In the November issue of the Linking Ring, Peter Marucci penned his last issue of "Showtime," which ran since 1991. Peter indicates that he is physically unwell, but would love to hear from everyone via e-mail. His name is listed among the "Sick and Convalescent" IBM members.

I remember meeting Peter, back in the days when Ring 17 was meeting in a deli basement. He always brought a smile to my face. I also remember reading his fun submissions in the Globe and Mail.

On Wednesday September 17, 2003 Many people from far and wide
gathered together to celebrate the life of our founder Herb
Morrissey. It was a beautiful evening and many great stories
where
shared by in my opinion 5 people who really new Herb, David
Peck, Jeff Pinsky, David Ben, Obie O'Brien and Herb's partner Richard
Olsen. I
can't express my gratitude to you all for sharing your memories
of
my father with us all. We had a lot of laugh's and shed a few
tears.

On behalf of my family and Morrissey Magic, thank you to all our
speakers and to all that attended the memorial.

Sandy Hobson deserves a big thank you for taking pictures of
the evening. Please follow the link below to see the picture gallery.

Our founder and my dad Herb Morrissey after many struggles with many high points and a few very low points, over a span of about 3 years or so. Herb had many serious health issues but always held his head up and made the next hurdle. There were many hospital stays over the last 3 years, twelve I believe. Nurses that cared for him number in the hundreds and there where many doctors. Initially he had a heart attack among other problems, and it was decided that he would need a heart transplant. The transplant was a success and 2 months later he was out of the hospital and recuperating at home. Shortly after he was back at the shop doing what he liked best, demonstrating magic. He came to the shop 2 or 3 days a week for a few months. Then another blow, cancer was found in one of his lungs and would have to be removed. The operation went well and it was believed that all the cancer was removed, again he headed home to rest and even made it back to the shop for a visit. Herb's health started failing him again. He had not been comfortable for quite some time and was almost always in constant pain. Ultimately Herb was diagnosed with cancer throughout most of his body and had even started chemotherapy treatments. I often thought how brave he was and wondered how he could face another appointment or hospital stay. He put up one hell of a fight. On Wednesday afternoon August 13, 2003 Herb passed away at the Toronto General Hospital peacefully.

My dad got his start in magic as a young boy when he was given a magic kit, his interest quickly grew and was soon doing shows. At the age of ten he was chosen to be part of an all kids variety show, which included a juggler, singer, ventriloquist and Herb as the Magician. The group was so professional that they where once flown into northern Quebec and Labrador to perform for the troops at Canadian forces bases. Herb performed many shows all the way thru his teen years.

He met the love of his life Shirley Anne Howes, my mom. They dated for a while and were married shortly after. My mother has shared many memories of my dad with me that I didn't know, some of which I can share with you. She recalled when they first met, my father was playing a club and he invited my mom to come see his act. When he walked out on stage my mother asked a friend, who is that man on stage, the friend replied that's Herb. She couldn't believe this was the same guy. My father off stage was quite shy and mother said he transformed into a totally different person when he hit the stage. She also told me that my sister Kim and I, where the most popular kids in the neighborhood, at our birthday parties all the kids wanted to come to our birthdays, because there would always be a magic show. Kim and I could have cared less. I don't recall this but thought it was quite funny.

At the age of 23 Herb turned professional and quickly became one of the busiest performers on the Montreal club scene and throughout the province of Quebec. As a kid I was snuck into a club or two to watch my father, and that's where my father was most comfortable, on stage. He had style and grace on stage that I have seen only a handful of times. He worked the clubs and eventually started the first business Herb Morrissey Products in 1959 a very small business indeed. So small in fact that he only had one product. Morrissey Cups, soon other products were introduced Chop Cups, the dove pan line, zombie and lota bowl just to name a few. Richard Olsen, Herb's partner for over 30 years, Richard started coming to the shop when he was a kid and spent a lot of his free time learning and looking after the shop when the boys would head to the bar for a beer. Richard is a huge piece of this thing we call Morrissey's and is also a big part of the company's success. Another Part of my fathers success comes down to a person that has probably never been mentioned. Our original metal spinner Leo Lambert, he was not a magician but had an understanding of magic that came thru in his work. Leo is now deceased and deserves along over due thank you. Herb eventually got out of the showbiz end of magic to focus all his attention on the business end of magic.

This story starts back for me about 38 years ago. The path that I have been led down has been an interesting one. Because of my father I met many of the greats in the magic world as I grew up, not knowing that my life would some what follow the same path as my father. Magic has been a constant for my whole life, when I was a kid I dabbled in magic but never quite caught the magic bug until much later. I really had very little interest in magic but I went to many magic conventions and saw pretty well everyone who is anyone perform or lecturer. In the seventies in Montreal, Morrissey Magic had many lecturers the likes of Vernon, Derek Dingle, Buckingham, Paul Harris, Goshman just to name a few. I was not a magician but I always watched every lecturer. One memory that keeps popping into my head is when Dia Vernon Lectured, as Vernon Lectured his chauffeur was going over the fine details of the faro shuffle with me at the back of the room, I believe the chauffeurs name was Joe. I was maybe seven years old but I practiced the faro and became quite good at it, but it wasn't until I was 18 that I would actually use the faro in a trick There was always a magician staying at our house as I grew up, it was definitely interesting. Little did I know that I was in actual fact learning many lessons on magic, the performance and my dad's favorite the demonstrating and the selling. I had been signed up for magic 101, but never knew.

A few years back now my father was asked to perform for a large group with a special request, this group was having a hard time finding a magician who could work silent. The entire audience was hearing impaired. The act I say that night was incredible he did his cigarette act, misers dream (ungimmicked), card manipulations, linking rings and ended with The guillotine. He did about a 40 minute act and never spoke a word, when he finished the audience rouse, no jumped to there feet in a spontaneous standing ovation. I had seen my father work before but this was a special night. All the classic's of stage magic performed flawlessly and in total control of the audience. Again I was young and did not realize at the time this was another lesson.

As the cards and emails came I thought that many of the memories that people have of my father would be appropriate to share with you all. The condolences, notes and people visiting the shop and talking about their memories of dad have really helped the healing process for me.

Our friend Jeff Pinsky of the Browsers Den of Magic here in Toronto wrote something that really hit me and said so much about Herb in just a few words, here they are."I have vivid memories of Herb and here are some of the titles to the memories that only we who spent time with Herb can fill in: The Stories, The Chop Cup, The Zombie Ball, The Cups and Balls, Copper/Brass/Silver, Fire Magic, His Cigarettes, His Cokes, His Sports Jacket."

Mike Olender long time friend shared these thoughts.Dan;My deepest condolences on your father's passing.When I first met your dad in 1986 he took an interest in what I purchased and gladly demonstrated any effects asked and gave me tips and insights for various sleights.And although he knew a huge number of magicians in his life, many of them famous worldwide, he never forgot the everyday ordinary guys. Whenever I came to the store or he came to our ring he always said "Hi Mike", never forgot my name or countless others names and that impressed me.Your following along in his footsteps and he's up there with the rest of the magic fraternity smiling down.Gone but definitely not forgotten.Mike Olender

Dan,My name is Kevin Rusli, you probably don't know me but that's kind of the point of this email; to let you know that Herb has touched and affected the lives of others like myself who would have remained anonymous to you except by this email. I 'm only 23 years old, and started magic around 10 - 12 years ago at the shop. I even worked with you guys a long time ago for the annual 'take your kid to work day' which they do for schools. Herb had me in the basement making one way decks! Being as nice as he was, he gave me a free 'torch to rose' at the end of the day for my hard work!

I also remember him making a comment to me at the age of 15 or 16, when he said I was old enough to leave home and start show business! I never knew if he was joking, but thinking about it brings a smile to my face.

I saw him demonstrate many tricks; some of my favorites that he did and I ended up buying were immaculate connection, beggar coins, and Tenyo's Eclipse. I just wanted you to know, that although I've not remained as close to Herb as I was as his customer, I would continue to consider him one of my early mentors and friends. I'll miss him dearly, Kevin Rusli

The underlined section above is classic Herb. As I read Kevin's email it immediately brought a smile to my face also, when I really needed it.

Dear Dan,Our sincerest regrets go to you and your family for the recent loss of your father. Herb was a great man, and he will be missed by all.

Your father was a magic Icon, and was definitely an influence on my magic and the continued success of my career. I still remember the very first time I ever walked into the shop and met him, he showed me the Chinese sticks, that was 20 years ago.

He was also a great salesman, I know because my shelves are chalk full of magical gadgets, that I will probably never use.

I know that there isn't much I can say except that I am truly sympathetic, and at least one good thing has come,...you and I have become friends. A friendship I hope we can continue for years to come. Although Lyndsy had never met your Dad, she has heard all about him since we first met, and she too sends her warmest thoughts and prayers to all of you.

With our thoughts and prayers....Peter & LyndsyPeter Loughran-Master of Illusions

Peter's email made me realize all the friendships I have made because of my father and this is a blessing.

David Peck has been a friend of my dad for many years and a friend of mine for almost as many. They spent many hours at the shop together and David has a incite that not many have of Herb, including me. Below is the obituary David wrote for Linking Ring Magazine and The Canadian Association of Magicians Magazine CAMaraderie. I have included it here in its entirety. As I read it, it made me laugh and it brought a tear to my eye at the same time.

Thank you David.

“Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure.”Rumi

Herb Morrissey was a magician with a keen sense for all things magical. And it was this sensibility that allowed him to create and develop Morrissey Magic Ltd - a forty four year old company that I was to grow deeply fond of. It would be here that Herb and I would become good friends. It would be here where I would be privy to Herb’s skills as performer, salesman and entrepreneur. It would be here where I would here tales of performing for the mafia, Expo 67 and the subtleties of a nightclub act. It would be here that I would meet and develop relationships with some of my closest friends.

Herb was the quintessential salesman. Some might say on a good day that he could sell anything. He had a gift. A wonderful tacit skill that could take something simple and turn it into a wonderful piece of magic. No used cars for sale here, only distinctive and sometimes expensive magical miracles. Yes, Herb could sell a beachfront property to a poor, thirsty man, crawling naked through the Sahara desert. It was fun to watch. An education in small business and in the techniques of persuasion. Herb’s love for performing as a magician was a delightful compliment to his ability to develop such a successful and unique business in Toronto and Montreal. It was an ability that allowed him to expand Morrissey Magic into an international name.

Herb was a practical joker. He really enjoyed putting people into a vulnerable, comedic spot. No one was safe from Morrissey’s antics. It took me several years to joke proof myself. I have been sprayed with ink and electrocuted with specially charged pens. I have had things explode in and around me. I have been the brunt of many an inside joke. And so have many others, including the closest members of his family.The Blue Bagoona is perhaps one of the most ghastly magical props I have ever seen. An Ickle Pickle product I believe. For those in the know, it is a dysfunctional square circle on wheels. Designed in the shape of an oh so dramatic and ill conceived bright blue garbage truck. I believe in the mid eighties it sold for the absurd and outrageous price of about sixty five dollars. I openly ridiculed this product to any one who would listen. Herb and I often joked about what type of act might actually employ such a garage sale item. The prop stood on the shelves for many years. It was covered in layers of embarrassing dust. It’s a wonder to me now that we never incorporated it into some sort of magical ceremony. Perhaps it could have been A Hideous Prop Burning or something like that. A magical rite of passage. We would have worn capes and funny looking hats and chanted strange melodic mantras. It could have become a yearly revenue producing ritual. My birthday was around the corner and a friend who had access to the store presented me with a rather large and poorly wrapped birthday gift. I reached my hand inside and felt the wretched and familiar wooden wheels. It was the Bagoona. Who knew? I believed in that moment that my friend had been truly had. This was a sophisticated practical joke. I mean Herb wouldn’t have, would he? Here was my friend trying to impress me with this magical purchase and I had to react in an appropriate way. I mean how could one possibly ever be grateful for a gift like this? The Bagoona didn’t deserve appreciation of any kind. This was no gift of grace. It was for all practical purposes a piece of magical junk. And yet I reacted as kindly and graciously as might be expected. It was an uncomfortable moment. It wasn’t until a day or two later that I was brought up to speed on the nature of the situation. It was I who had been had. Herb was able to notch another slot into his practical joke bedpost. Herb was the kind of guy who didn’t hold back. He was extreme in every way. On one end of his emotional spectrum was his quiet and introverted nature that he so often displayed. He was no grandstander and yet to see him perform within the confines of his shop was to witness the simplicity and the pure pleasure of a magician working the room for applause. I’ve seen him explode in anger at unsuspecting and ungracious customers and I’ve seen him take the youngest performer under his wing and work them gently through the necessary steps towards magical knowledge. I was one of those youngsters. The first time I saw Herb perform anything magical was inside his store. I had traveled a long distance to see what this Morrissey Magic was all about. A one mile walk and several buses later I had arrived. This was a place I would visit often. And it would be here that I would spend hours in conversation with many of the magical greats in the city of Toronto. But the moments I really looked forward to were those when I would find myself alone with Herb in the store. I would run out of the shop with a crumpled twenty dollar bill gripped tightly in my fist, that Herb had handed to me, and would quickly order a couple of subs and cokes to go. And would then proceed back to the shop to eat together, listen and learn. Those were good times. Formative years as many might say definitive memories. Fond recollections are never simply pictures that are worth a thousand words. It is the memory itself, imbued with all its emotional investment that is worth a thousand words and so much more.

On August 13th at 3:00 pm Herb Morrissey passed away from complications involving a cancer related disease that was in turn associated with a three year new heart transplant. He was 65 years old. Herb was lucid and chatty up until his gradual decline. And for that the family is thankful. Herb Morrissey was a dear friend of mine. So it was with great respect and admiration I accepted the request to write some thoughts regarding Herb and my recent friendly loss. This will be a personal account and my words will be few as I believe Herb would have wanted it this way. About three months ago I paid a surprise visit to Herb at his home in Toronto. Shirley his wife greeted me at the door and led me downstairs where Herb was sitting in the usual place with coins, harnesses, cards, books and handkerchiefs scattered around the room. After chatting briefly for a minute or two I had to ask what the magical display was all about. Herb stood up and showed me a manipulative card move he had been working on and claimed that he was considering getting his act back together. Here was my recovering and still quite sickly friend working on new magical routines. He still had the desire to perform. I felt a tingle up my spine as I considered the possibility of seeing him on stage again sometime soon. I was excited for him at his new found interest. I must tell you however, with much regret, that Herb eventually put away the props as his illness began to bear down on him again soon after this surprise visit. I was thrilled and then deeply disappointed. I already miss Herb. I know that many will. He was loved by some, respected by many and played a significant role in the lives of those he came in contact with. His wry and often odd sense of humor perplexed some and provoked others. And yet he had the ability to make most people smile. Herb was a character that demanded further enquiry and it was this, and the comfort of our twenty five year relationship, that prompted me to recently ask if he would be willing to develop notes and audio tapes regarding the writing of a personal biography. It was a biography that I would love to have written. I would ask the questions, and Herb would provide the stories. It would be an experience and privilege that I did not want to take too lightly. The potential for friendly connection and comedy was great. Herb and I chatted about this new project, and the thought of us working together and filing through the stories, the people and the places had a fascinating appeal for both of us. We laughed at all that would have to remain untold - the inner secrets forever sealed. We were moving ahead with our goal in mind and yet the project never formally started. Disappointing for anyone who knew Herb, for they would understand the intriguing nature of some of the more colorful aspects of his life. He was a great storyteller and a spinner of a sophisticated yarn as some might say. Like most of us he was a walking story. No cliché bits of business here. Herb had a difficult, colorful and unique past. His was a biography that had the ability to teach much. Oscar Wilde said that, “Experience is the name that men give to their mistakes. It seems to me that Herb would concur.Herb was full of stories. He was an historical cup half full. Never half empty. These were magical tales that often grew with each new telling. Wonderful little oral ditties about this and that with respect to his experience in the world of magic. The people he met, the places he worked and some of the crazier aspects of a life lived as a post vaudevillian performer on the New York and Montreal club circuit. Having been a performer, manufacturer, creator and lecturer on magic for most of his life, he was a multi-layered library of information - a textured text. Morrissey Magic was started many years ago in a small basement in a village just outside of Montreal. Herb was a magician that appealed to other magicians, but also to the lay public that entered his Toronto and Montreal stores. It is amusing to think of the number of people, both children and adults, that have had the privilege of purchasing a book, a video or a simple prop that was in some was related to Herb and his magic. For a moment consider the number of children entertained, the number of adults who smiled at their ability to make a handkerchief vanish, and the collective amount of applause generated as a direct or indirect result of Morrissey Magic. The implicit and explicit relational effects are exponential. Herb had a profound influence on many people, young and old. Herb enjoyed working and he was usually wrapped up in a project related to the store and his magic. He always needed to be doing something. So it is no surprise that his illness and his inability to do as much as he had in the past was a continual source of frustration for him. And yet he found an active way of keeping his thoughtful and mindful mechanism well oiled. Up until a few weeks ago Herb was creating. Even with the physiological effects from his illness surrounding him, Herb still managed to find a way to work. I remember during the last phone call I had with him he spoke of, how easy it was to create new effects. I think I created six new tricks today, he said in a casual and proud manner. The creative juices were flowing. He had been working diligently on new card routines that I’m afraid that only he is now privy to. As sad as this may seem on one level I find it encouraging to know that even through the illness, the medications and the disease Herb found the strength within himself, and acknowledged that he still had the ability to draw pleasure from that which he so dearly loved sleight of hand magic.When a death occurs I cannot help but be angry, disappointed and frustrated with that which seems so cosmologically unfair. However, I must also take time to revel in the courage and the joy that was the person. As Paul the Apostle, a New Testament writer has so poignantly asked, O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? These are questions that can’t be ignored. And they are questions that we must somehow be at ease with. We need to find a way to rest in that which we cannot truly know. What we can be certain about however is that a life lived has ended. And yet this same life was wholly lived - a man that loved his family, that loved his craft and who was loved by those around him. Coming to terms with this type of loss can never be easy. I for one will always claim that there was never quite enough time. One thing that I am certain of is that with a friend like Herb one can safely say that when it arrives, death never comes too late the knock at the door comes early. And again I am reminded of how much I will miss him.Herb was a fighter as those who knew him would be willing to tell. His heart transplant by all medical accounts was a success. And he did fight until his eyes peacefully closed. Death is a final step. Or at least it would so appear. And yet there is life to be found in his work, his magic and in his family. May they find the strength to support and encourage one another in the difficult days ahead. And may they be reminded often of the sweeter moments with Herb. As a friend of mine I trust that I will meet with him again someday. And if not, for the time being, I am able to remember him fondly, respectfully and with much joy. Herb - Thank you for the stories, for your friendship and for everything else.Love DavidAugust 18, 2003

I have a lot to be thankful for and much of it is because of my father. There is no other person that has affected me and made me the person that I am today than my dad. Now that Herb has passed I have come to realize how many peoples lives have also been affected by crossing my fathers path. Dad thank you and I love you. There is a place where we will all meet again, where we never have to say good bye.

Back in August, I posted about Morrissey Magic closing after 54 years in magic. When the store closed, their website went dark and with it their history. I'm pleased to republish "A Brief History of Morrissey Magic."

In
1959 Herb Morrissey started a very small magic business. So small in
fact that we only had one product. MORRISSEY CUPS manufactured in
Canada, available in aluminum and copper. The magic world quickly
recognized that MORRISSEY CUPS were good quality cups and reasonably
priced - VALUE FOR YOUR DOLLAR.

And today, 50 years later this is
still our policy - VALUE FOR YOUR DOLLAR. Soon other products were
introduced, Dove, Chick and Duck Pans, Zombie, Lota Bowls, Chop Cups and
the list goes on and on. Over the years not only have we been
introducing the most widely used magician's equipment, but also we have
been innovative. We have brought to the magic market many items, which
were never available before. One of the most famous of these is the
MORRISSEY CHOP CUPS & BALLS COMBINATION.

By the early 60's MORRISSEY PRODUCTS were available in magic shops all over the world.

In
1964 we opened a retail magic shop in Montreal. Additional products
were added from other manufacturers and we soon had a well-stocked magic
shop. Lots of you reading this will remember the magic shop on Bluery
Street.

In 1978 we opened a second magic shop in Toronto. Herb
Morrissey moved to Toronto and Richard Olsen, a partner in the business
managed the shop in Montreal as well as the manufacturing and mail order
business. The Toronto store was a retail only magic shop.

In
1986 Herb's son, Dan Morrissey joined the business in Toronto and
remains here to this day. We closed the operation in Montreal and
everything moved to Toronto. So, it looks like Morrissey Magic will be
around for another 50 years.

NOW OVER 50 YEARS LATER, CANADA'S LARGEST MAGIC DEALER IS LOCATED AT 2477 DUFFERIN STREET, TORONTO.

Our
modern magic studio has 3000 square feet of retail space to service
magicians from all over the world. And we are still supplying magicians
and magic dealers with metal spun products. Today MORRISSEY MAGIC is
truly an international magic company.

06 November 2013

Murray is back performing at the Tropicana till January 2014 after a
highly successful tour of Australia! Murray is planning on going back to
Oz for a 2014 National Tour.

As seen on "America's Got
Talent" Murray is performing back in his hometown of Vancouver, Canada -
Burnaby, BC to be exact at the Shadbolt Center For The Performing Arts.
His first time back performing in over 20 years! ONE SHOW ONLY! so get
your tickets before they sell out !

02 November 2013

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

--

NEW OKITO BOX PATTERExclusively for readers of Canada's Magicby The Magic Demon

Some time ago I purchased a brass Okito Box from the Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto (although I'm sure Perfect Magic in Montreal carries them too!) If you don't already have one and you are into coin magic, you need one.

What always used to bug me about it was coming up with an explanation for the unusual looking prop. It isn't something you see every day. Inspired by recent events in the UK, I came up with the following story. I hope you will enjoy using it or a variation of it in your act.

I use a large old English penny. You can also use multiple pennies if you wish. You could use this as a module in your coin act or as a stand alone item. I won't go into the mechanics of the trick; use your favourite method. But here's what you can say while demonstrating the effect (in this case, that of making a single coin disappear from a seemingly secure brass case).

~~~~

"The Royal Family in England never carry cash on them. Do you know why? It used to be a problem for them years ago when they wanted to "spend a penny". Do you know what that means? In England it means to use a public toilet which used to cost a penny in the old days. They cost more today but the expression is still the same.

Now, in the old days they created little gold cases for the Royals to store their precious pennies, in case they needed to spend one. The cases had room for 3 or 4 pennies, more than enough for any Royal on tour. Now the original cases were made of gold or silver but they kept getting stolen or mislaid. So they decided to manufacture a number of them in brass. They still looked elegant but they were less likely to get stolen. I have one of them here, but I won't tell you how I got it. Let's just say the Royals were very absent minded about where they left them.

So they would store their precious pennies in their new brass cases - all safe and sound. But what they could not have foreseen was the unusual effect that the brass casing had on the old fashioned copper pennies. Now some say it is a purely chemical reaction between copper and brass. Others claim it is because Britannia (who is on the the coin) hates being imprisoned in such a tiny space. Well, whatever the reason, you can still see what happens - it's gone!

And that's why the Royals don't keep any money on them to this day. What would be the point? They couldn't even hold on to their pennies!"

01 November 2013

A magician stands at a fork in the road. One path leads to magic; the
other path leads to dangerous behavior, possible incarceration, and
possible death. (So, let the reader be warned.) Chris Westfall is a
remarkable magician in more ways than one. On the surface, he seems
fairly ordinary; an arsenal of card tricks, rubber bands around his
wrist, a mildly goofy, slightly off-Sankey sense of humor. None of that
seems to explain how busy he is. He currently juggles four restaurant
gigs in Toronto in addition to professional close-up gigs. In the summer
he adds a series of kids’ day-camp workshops that fuels weekends full
of children’s shows. Of course, he’s not organized enough to give me an
exact figure, but a back-of-an-envelope estimate has him doing about six
hundred dates a year.

The October 2013 Magic Castle Newsletter has launched a new column,
"Storytime with The Professor", featuring memorable tales told by the
late Dai Vernon. The inaugural story is about, what else, Houdini, and
in it Vernon recounts how S.A.M. members once "tricked" Houdini into
going into a closest at the New York Hippodrome and locked him inside.
"We pulled this trick on him because he was such a terrible egotist,"
said the man who's own ego was pretty well developed.

29 October 2013

At the upcoming WowFest Magic Festival, happening in February 2014,
we want to hand a whole show over to the next generation of magicians!
The Young Magician Showcase will feature amazing performers under the
age of 20. This is an open invitation to all those young
whipper-snappers who want to be a part of WowFest.

28 October 2013

When Evelyn and Phil Matlin’s eldest daughter, Ronna, was playing in the basement, she discovered her father’s long forsaken magician’s suitcase. The year was 1964 and the curious 6-year-old begged him to perform magic at her birthday party.

This event sparked the revival of an inherent skill that Phil had honed in his youth, and to this day the world of magic plays an integral role in the family’s life.

27 October 2013

The I.B.M. Headquarters recently was notified that J.L. Gilles
Fontaine, 86, of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, died September 19, 2012.
Born in Quebec City, he was the son of a banker, and became one
himself. At age ten he saw a performance by Harry Blackstone, Sr. and
it inspired him to take up magic as a hobby, collecting magic books,
subscribing to magic magazines, and practicing for hours. He became
"Gilles the Magician," and performed for children and senior citizens
whenever and wherever he could. He even taught magic at a local
elementary school.

26 October 2013

Come in costume for this special Halloween-themed magic show. Ghosts and
goblins of all ages will enjoy magician-illusionist Chris Pilsworth's
amazing wizardry and hilarious antics in a fast-paced, fun-filled
performance.